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jennywithaz's review against another edition
4.0
This book, translated from French, would make for a doozy of a discussion. Take your pick of topics: France's separation of church and state laws (which make it illegal for Muslim girls to wear head scarves to public schools, among other forbidden religion symbols), the intersection of feminism, religion, and personal identity, national identity, relationships between sisters....though this is a slim book at only 152 pages, the fodder for discussion here is endless, particularly because this is an international book, which offers the additional opportunity to discuss differences and similarities in cultural perspectives and worldviews.
The downside to it being so slim is that it felt like it could be more fleshed out in places, and often in those same places the writing felt heavy handed and left something to be desired. Nonetheless, the seeds for further discussion are all there, and would make the experience of reading this book that much richer. A poignant and thought-provoking read; recommended for teen book discussion groups.
The downside to it being so slim is that it felt like it could be more fleshed out in places, and often in those same places the writing felt heavy handed and left something to be desired. Nonetheless, the seeds for further discussion are all there, and would make the experience of reading this book that much richer. A poignant and thought-provoking read; recommended for teen book discussion groups.
petitefrieda's review against another edition
3.0
pretty enjoyable for something i read in french class, i wouldn’t have read it in english though ig
sc104906's review against another edition
4.0
Sohane and Djelila are two sisters whose different perspectives of their heritage couldn’t be more different. Sohane embraces her Muslim and Algerian heritage, challenging school officials to allow her to wear her veil in school (the book is set in France, where it is illegal to wear hijabs in public). Djelila feels that many of her culture’s beliefs are demeaning/ not feminist enough. Djelila is a wild child, but community members are noticing and not liking what they see. Djelila’s way of life leads to a very serious act.An action that damages those around her.
It is a smart look into the debate over religious symbols in France and society’s perceptions of females and religion. I found it very thought provoking. It does present both sides of the debate well. The novel even touches on sibling rivalry. This was a great quick read.
It is a smart look into the debate over religious symbols in France and society’s perceptions of females and religion. I found it very thought provoking. It does present both sides of the debate well. The novel even touches on sibling rivalry. This was a great quick read.
gcamelopardalis's review against another edition
3.0
I don't like books that tell you the ending right at the beginning. I get that it's about her coming to terms with what happened, but still. Also the end note from the author really bothered me, like "oh no I'm not trying to say banning headscarves is a bad thing or anything, idk, maybe maybe not" like stop pussyfooting around, you obviously have an opinion, just say it.
laurendayo's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Islamophobia, Xenophobia, Fire/Fire injury, Religious bigotry, and Hate crime
Minor: Vomit and Alcohol
whoisluksi's review against another edition
4.0
Read this book is a must! I have the priviledge to live in a country where muslim is majority. I don't know if I live in another place like somewhere in europe or america, would I still be able to wear hijab freely? But as I know, the tolerance and respect towards muslim has risen far better than the old days. The world of muslim fashion (especially women) has also improved a lot. I guess finding women covered in hijab in non muslim countries is not a one-in-a-million thing anymore, hopefully.
Back again, it's all about freedom. I am a woman and I can do whatever I think it's right. If I have a religion and I want to follow the right path, then it's my freedom. If I don't want to follow them, then it's my freedom too, but still I won't get mad if there's someone reminds me to get back to the right way except he do it in such unresponsible violent ways.
If you have a religion, if you have a faith, you must show respect towards it, and you also have to show respect to the others. Just enjoy life and live in peace!
Back again, it's all about freedom. I am a woman and I can do whatever I think it's right. If I have a religion and I want to follow the right path, then it's my freedom. If I don't want to follow them, then it's my freedom too, but still I won't get mad if there's someone reminds me to get back to the right way except he do it in such unresponsible violent ways.
If you have a religion, if you have a faith, you must show respect towards it, and you also have to show respect to the others. Just enjoy life and live in peace!
krissyronan's review against another edition
4.0
Sad. Beautiful. Moving. Teen sisters dealing with opposite feelings about their family's culture and religion. It's leaving me feeling a bit heartbroken and drained but still thinking about the connections between the characters' struggles and what's happening in our society today.
hbelle01's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
katyea's review against another edition
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the format in which the author wrote it. The combination of the past and the present gave the reader a full view of Sohane and Djelila, along with the dynamism of their relationship. I have an old friend who I consider my older brother, and I completely related to hating and loving your sibling profusely. My biological siblings are all much younger than me, so I do not have that relationship with them, but David and I often butt heads in regards to our religious views and acceptances of societal norms. I could not imagine if I were to lose him or my younger siblings, and the portrayal of Sohane during the aftermath of Djelila's death felt raw and real to me. When Sohane's youngest brother told her he felt like she was never there, even though she was physically present, really drove home that notion. Sohane's struggle with her religious identity hit me hard as well. Knowing it was illegal to outwardly express her religion and still showing up to school wearing a head scarf was a brave way to step into who she felt she was meant to be. Her battle with intense and uneducated feminism was also an eye-opening moment for me. There is no right or wrong way to express your femininity and to be addressed as a woman. When she was asked to leave the meeting in regards to her own sister's death... that was emotional and befuddling. It left me shocked, not understanding how other women can be so judgmental towards women of different cultures. Finally, the ending absolutely ripped my heart out. Sohane's acceptance of Djelila's death and the community's outpouring of support was beautiful.